Relaxed rules on internet gambling and advertising have caused gambling addiction to soar, according to the Conservatives.
Figures revealed by the Tories indicate a considerable increase of almost a quarter of a million more people gambling online last year, compared with 2007 when advertising was allowed for the first time.
Last year those playing gambling games increased from 5.2 per cent to 5.6 per cent of the population – an estimate of 3.36 million people.
A report by the Gambling Commission estimates that 7.4 per cent of online gamers go on to develop an addiction to betting. The Tories calculate this could mean a further 17,760 people with gambling problems.
The Government has been criticised for failing to crack down on overseas gambling websites which often lack safeguards such as limits on stakes.
Tobias Ellwood, the shadow gambling minister, said: “The Government has been happy to sit idly by and do nothing to stop the surge in unregulated online gambling.
“With each year that passes more people are getting addicted to these sites which offer little consumer protection.
“Companies that advertise here must meet the UK’s regulatory standards. We must ensure that online gambling is done in a responsible and safe environment.”
However, a spokesman for the Department for Culture rejected the Conservatives’ calculations, saying that official research showed that gambling addiction remained stable at 0.6 per cent of the population.
She added: “There is no basis in fact for this claim and the reality is that levels of problem gambling have not risen since 1997.
“Whilst it is true that more people are gambling online, it does not necessarily follow that more are becoming problem gamblers.”
In yesterday’s Westminster Hall debate about regulating online gambling, Conservative MP Bob Neill accused the Government of exacerbating the problem as a result of irresponsible legislation.
Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster highlighted the lack of regulation and checks placed on online gambling considering the size of the industry.
Mr Foster pointed out that the industry makes £12.5bn per year but only 1,000 out of 6,000 websites are being regulated.
The Government recently announced plans to increase stakes in fruit machines sparking further concerns from campaigners.
Church leaders from several Christian organisations have launched a campaign entitled Fruitless to persuade the Government to drop the plans.
A Church of England spokesman said: “With global recession looming, unemployment rising and disposable income falling, the Government has gone back on its earlier concern for vulnerable people in response to pressure from the gambling industry.”